Bethel business alumnus named to "Top 40 by 40"

May 15, 2014 | 11 a.m.

Justin Noznesky, '00 graduate, balances faith and business

Culture | Rachel Wilson

Justin Noznesky, currently the vice president of AtriCure, Inc.,
makes an intentional effort to be present with his family when he is
not traveling for business. | Photo for The Clarion courtesy of Justin Noznesky

The Bethel business department ranks in the top 15 percent of business programs in the nation. Alumni of this department are known for their strong moral foundation, exceptional work ethic and commitment to excellence.

Bethel alumnus Justin Noznesky is proof of the department’s outstanding reputation. Noznesky graduated in 2000, earning a degree in business with an accounting emphasis. Since then, he has been recognized throughout the Twin Cities metro and beyond for his business expertise. This past March, Noznesky was named to St. Paul Business Magazine’s 2014 edition of “Top 40 Under 40.”

Today, he and his wife Sara, also a Bethel graduate, live in Orono, Minn. with their two young children, Estelle and Xavier. Noznesky is currently the vice president of AtriCure, Inc., where he is in charge of corporate business and development.

Noznesky’s passion for business was cultivated during his time at Bethel. He credits professor Bruce Olson with inspiring his business career.

“Bruce had a wealth of real-world experience as a CFO at several companies,” Noznesky said. “I remember sitting in his classes and thinking, ‘I could see myself doing what he has done.’”

Noznesky had two job offers upon graduation—one at a large multinational financial institution and another at Arthur Anderson as a public accountant. He chose the latter. Since, he has spent the majority of his professional career in the healthcare industry, working at companies such as Vital Images, Inc., Ecolab, Inc. and UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

During his time at Vital Images in 2011, Noznesky led the $273 million sale of the company to Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation. Ultimately responsible for mergers and acquisitions in the sale, Noznesky played an integral role in various aspects, including assisting in the negotiation of purchase price and related agreements, facilitating and arranging due diligence, overseeing relationships with outside legal counsel and investment banks, and leading the integration of Vital Images into Toshiba Medical Systems after the sale was complete.

In his current position as vice president at AtriCure, Noznesky works with corporate and business development, where he leads initiatives to grow the company. The company’s main goal is to expand within its current market while growing new markets that could aid the company. As part of that goal, Noznesky continually seeks out potential acquisition targets while managing transactions with technology partners.

“At the end of the day, it is all about executing on transactions that protect the company’s growth in the long-term,” Noznesky explained. Noznesky’s faith plays a role in his interactions in the corporate world. “As with any profession, I believe that a high moral and ethical standard is the foundation for long-term success,” Noznesky said. “As Christians, we are called to an even higher standard, and the way we live and act directly reflects upon the integrity of our faith.”

Similarly, Noznesky believes in his work and contends that what he does matters. He makes it a point to only work for companies that he believes in and trusts, so it’s not surprising that his work is seeing a direct social impact. Working with and for companies in the healthcare industry that improve patient care is an integral part of Noznesky’s career.

“I have been fortunate to work for some companies that create great products that help to heal people, save lives and improve patient care,” he said.

As a successful businessman with a young family and a significant amount of his career ahead of him, Noznesky is continually learning the art of balance. “The more senior your position with an organization, the more demanding your role becomes,” Noznesky said.

Since his career requires him to travel often, Noznesky makes an intentional effort to be fully present when he is at home with his family, both physically and emotionally. That is, no cell phones or computers, having family dinners, going to church, taking his daughter to gymnastics and taking his wife out for a date night.

Yet to reach 40, Noznesky has seen remarkable success in business thus far, and he still has a significant amount of his career ahead of him. Continually pressing onward, Noznesky’s goal is to be a CEO of an organization within the next five years.

“I don’t know if that will happen in the next five years, but that’s what I’m working toward,” Noznesky said.

“I am proof that you can work your way into areas that you enjoy that might not be exactly what you start out with, and individual jobs can be used as stepping stones towards something greater.”